Hymn LII. For Saint Peters Day.
[_]
We observe this day, to honour God, in the pious
Memoriall of his blessed Apostle Saint Peter, and
that it might remember us not to presume on our
own strength, by considering his failing, and falling
from his over peremptorie Asseveration. We may
learn also by his example, to bewaile our escapes, with teares of penitence.
Sing this as the 1. Psalme.
[1]
How watchfull ought, we to become!
How zealously to pray!
That, Thee, oh Lord, we fall not from
Vpon our Triall-day!
For, if thy great Apostle said,
He would not Thee deny,
Yet, Thee, that very night denaid,
On what should we relie?
2
Of our owne selves, we cannot leave
Our pleasures, for thy sake;
No, nor one vertuous Thought conceive
Till, us thou able make.
For, we not only Thee deny,
When Troubles do increase;
But, oft from Thee, we likewise fly,
When pleasures we possesse.
3
Oh! let those Prayers us availe,
Which were for Peter daign'd;
That, when the Foe shall us assaile,
His purpose be not gain'd.
Yea, fixe on us those pow'rfull Eies,
Which mov'd him to lament;
That, we with Teares, and bitter Cries,
Our Follies may repent.
4
And, grant that all, who him succeed
(To oversee thy Folds)
Thy Sheep and Lambs, may guide and feed,
As they of duty should:
No Doctrine teaching, saving, what
Truth warrants them to preach;
And in their Lives, confirming that
Which they are bound to teach.